The UK Government has pledged to splash out £75million to bring tens of thousands of Brits stranded abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced the money will be spent on chartering flights to rescue those stuck overseas where commercial flights are unavailable.
The travellers will be flown home under a new partnership between the government and airlines such as British Airways, Virgin and easyJet.
Speaking at the Downing Street press conference, he said: "I can today announce a new arrangement between the Government and airlines to fly home tens of thousands of stranded British travellers, where commercial flights are no longer possible.
"Partner airlines include British Airways, Virgin, easyJet, Jet2 and Titan and this list can be expanded.
"Under the arrangements that we are putting in place we will target flights from a range of priority countries, starting this week."
Raab said airlines would be responsible for getting passengers home where commercial routes remain an option.
"That means offering alternative flights at little to no cost where routes have been cancelled, and it means allowing passengers to change tickets - including between carriers.
"So for those still in those countries where commercial options are still available: don't wait. Don't run the risk of getting stranded.
"The airlines are standing by to help you - please book your tickets as soon as possible."
It comes after today's death toll figures revealed a total of 1,408 patients have lost their lives after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK.
As of 5pm on Sunday the deaths increased by 180 - up from 1,228 the day before.
In its latest daily testing figures, Public Health England said 8,278 tests were carried out on 4,908 people as of 9am on Sunday.
That figure is down from 9,114 tests at 9am on Saturday and is a smaller daily increase than seen recently.
A total of 47 people have now passed away from the deadly bug in Scotland, an increase of six on Sunday's figure.
There are now 108 people in intensive care who either have the virus or are suspected to have it, an increase of 13 in the past 24 hours.
The number of positive coronavirus cases has risen to 1,563 - up 179 from Sunday's total.
